Science

Types of Fossils

Run Time: 00:01:46

Scientist Britt Argow and teacher Joe Reilly discuss the formation of two types of fossils. An example of an imprint formation would be a leaf leaving an imprint in mud; the imprint is then covered in sediment, and ultimately preserved in rock. The same process preserves dinosaur footprints. Another type of fossil formation occurs when organisms, such as shells or animals with bones, are buried under sediment. The soft tissue decomposes, but the shells or bones are replaced over a long time with other minerals, and are preserved as fossils. Featured Scientist: Carol de Wet, Ph.D.